Existing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-related databases are still insufficient in data standardization, integrity and precision, and need to be updated urgently. Herein, an Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine version 2.0 (ETCM v2.0, http://www.tcmip.cn/ETCM2/front/#/) was constructed as the latest curated database hosting 48,442 TCM formulas recorded by ancient Chinese medical books, 9872 Chinese patent drugs, 2079 Chinese medicinal materials and 38,298 ingredients. To facilitate the mechanistic research and new drug discovery, we improved the target identification method based on a two-dimensional ligand similarity search module, which provides the confirmed and/or potential targets of each ingredient, as well as their binding activities. Importantly, five TCM formulas/Chinese patent drugs/herbs/ingredients with the highest Jaccard similarity scores to the submitted drugs are offered in ETCM v2.0, which may be of significance to identify prescriptions/herbs/ingredients with similar clinical efficacy, to summarize the rules of prescription use, and to find alternative drugs for endangered Chinese medicinal materials. Moreover, ETCM v2.0 provides an enhanced JavaScript-based network visualization tool for creating, modifying and exploring multi-scale biological networks. ETCM v2.0 may be a major data warehouse for the quality marker identification of TCMs, the TCM-derived drug discovery and repurposing, and the pharmacological mechanism investigation of TCMs against various human diseases.

Objectives:To investigate the clinical and genetic features of young Chinese patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) .Methods:In this cross-sectional study, anonymous questionnaires were distributed to patients with MPN patients nationwide. The respondents were divided into 3 groups based on their age at diagnosis: young (≤40 years) , middle-aged (41-60 years) , and elderly (>60 years) . We compared the clinical and genetic characteristics of three groups of MPN patients.Results:1727 assessable questionnaires were collected. There were 453 (26.2%) young respondents with MPNs, including 274 with essential thrombocythemia (ET) , 80 with polycythemia vera (PV) , and 99 with myelofibrosis. Among the young group, 178 (39.3%) were male, and the median age was 31 (18-40) years. In comparison to middle-aged and elderly respondents, young respondents with MPN were more likely to present with a higher proportion of unmarried status (all P<0.001) , a higher education level (all P<0.001) , less comorbidity (ies) , fewer medications (all P<0.001) , and low-risk stratification (all P<0.001) . Younger respondents experienced headache (ET, P<0.001; PV, P=0.007; MF, P=0.001) at diagnosis, had splenomegaly at diagnosis (PV, P<0.001) , and survey (ET, P=0.052; PV, P=0.063) . Younger respondents had fewer thrombotic events at diagnosis (ET, P<0.001; PV, P=0.011) and during the survey (ET, P<0.001; PV, P=0.003) . JAK2 mutations were found in fewer young people (ET, P<0.001; PV, P<0.001; MF, P=0.013) ; however, CALR mutations were found in more young people (ET, P<0.001; MF, P=0.015) . Furthermore, mutations in non-driver genes (ET, P=0.042; PV, P=0.043; MF, P=0.004) and high-molecular risk mutations (ET, P=0.024; PV, P=0.023; MF, P=0.001) were found in fewer young respondents. Conclusion:Compared with middle-aged and elderly patients, young patients with MPN had unique clinical and genetic characteristics.

Objectives:To explore health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and identify its associated variables in Chinese patients with Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) .Methods:In this cross-sectional study, anonymous questionnaires were distributed to adult patients with MPNs to assess symptom burden measured by MPN-10 and HRQoL measured by Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) .Results:The data from 1405 respondents with MPNs, including 645 (45.9%) with essential thrombocythemia (ET) , 297 (21.1%) with polycythemia vera (PV) , and 463 (33.0%) with myelofibrosis (MF) , were analyzed. 646 (46.0%) respondents were male. The median age was 56 (range, 18-99) years. The mean MPN-10 scores were 13.0±12.7, 15.0±14.7, and 21.0±16.6 ( P<0.001) , and the physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores were 48.0±8.5, 47.0±9.0, and 42.0±10.0 ( P<0.001) and 51.0±11.0, 50.0±10.8, and 49.0±11.1 ( P=0.002) for respondents with ET, PV, and MF, respectively. Respondents with MF reported the lowest score of physical functioning, role functioning, emotional functioning, cognitive functioning, social function, and global health status (all P<0.01) and the highest score of fatigue, pain, dyspnea, appetite loss, diarrhea, and financial problems (all P<0.05) in EORTC QLQ-C30. Multivariate analyses revealed that higher MPN-10 scores were significantly associated with lower PCS (-0.220 to -0.277, P<0.001) and MCS (-0.244 to -0.329, P<0.001) scores; increasing age (-1.923 to -4.869; all P<0.05) , lower PCS score. Additionally, comorbidity (ies) , symptom at diagnosis, splenomegaly, anemia, unknown driver gene, and higher annual out-of-pocket cost were significantly associated with lower PCS and/or MCS scores. However, age ≥ 60 years, urban household registration, concomitant medication, and receiving ruxolitinib therapy in respondents with MF were associated with higher MCS scores. Weak correlations were found between MPN-10 score (except the subscale of appetite loss and constipation) and EORTC QLQ-C30 score in majority of subscales in respondents with ET (| r| = 0.193-0.457, all P<0.001) , PV (| r| = 0.192-0.529, all P<0.01) , and MF (| r| = 0.180-0.488, all P<0.001) , respectively. Conclusions:HRQoL in patients with MPN was significantly reduced, especially in patients with MF. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were significantly associated with the HRQoL in patients with MPNs.

Objective To compare the tumor characteristics and survival between postoperative incidentally discovered gallbladder cancer (ID-GBC) and preoperatively suspected gallbladder cancer (PS-GBC).Methods The data of 276 GBC patients who underwent surgical resection with curative intent between January 2004 and December 2014 at the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital were retrospectively analyzed.Results The 1-,3-,and 5-year cumulative survival rates of the ID-GBC group (88.8％,52.2％,and 33.0％,respectively) were significantly better than those in the PS-GBC group (57.5％,25.7％,and 16.6％,P ＜ 0.05).In the ID-GBC group,multivariate analysis revealed that T staging,hepatic invasion and time interval from cholecystectomy to re-operation were independent prognostic factors.The overall survival (OS) in the group with the time interval within 2 weeks was significantly better than those in the other two groups (both P ＜ 0.05).However,there were no significant differences in OS between the groups with the time interval of 2 weeks to 1 month and more than 1 month (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions Postoperative ID-GBC had significantly better survival outcomes than PS-GBC.Reoperation within two weeks in patients with ID-GBC is a good strategy.

Objective: To validate the method for measuring the TPV and OAR doses and 2D dose distribution in IMRT through using TLD and radiochromic film. Methods: Eight medical linear accelerators (Valian, Elekta, Siemens) were selected. The polystyrene phantom provided by IAEA was CT scanned and the image obtained was transferred to TPS for formulation of treatment plan, prescription of PTV and OAR doses and calculation of corresponding monitoring unit (MU), IMRT was performed on the phantom using 6 MV X-ray. Irradiated TLDs and films were measured and evaluated at the Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratory at the Radiation Safety Institute of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Results: According to IAEA requirement, the relative deviations between TLD-measured and TPS-planned doses were within ±7.0% for the prescribed PTV and OAR doses. As measured result, the PTV values for 8 accelerators were in the range of 0.6% to 5.9%, consistent with the IAEA requirements, whereas the OAT values for 8 accelerators were within -0.6% to 7.0%, consistent the requirements. As IAEA required, the 2D dose distribution passing rate of 3 mm/3% should be higher than 90%. The film-measured and TPS-planned values for 8 accelerators were within 90.2% to 100.0%, consistent with the requirements. Conclusions TLD and radiochromic film are feasible in validating the PTV and OAR doses and the 2D dose distribution pass rate in IMRT. This method can be widely used in quality audit and internal verification in IMRT in medical institutiions on a large scale.

Objective: To analyze the correlation between the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sacroiliac joint inflammation score (SPARCC score)/structural score (SSS) and the disease activity as well as the functional indexs. The correlation between the MRI score and inflammatory indicators [erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP)] in patients with active axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) before and after treatment was explored. In addition, the contribution of the two MRI scoring method in evaluating conditions was also explored. Methods: According to the inclusion criteria, 24 patients with active axial SpA were recruited and received the recombinant hauman tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α receptor Ⅱ: IgG Fc fusion protein(rhTNFR:Fc), sulfasalazine and thalidomide for 12 weeks. Subjects were scored at week 0 and 12 by SPARCC/SSS scores. Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI), Assessment of Spondyloarthritis Intemational Society (ASAS)-endorsed disease activity score(ASDAS)-CRP, bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI). Bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index(BASMI), ESR and CRP. The correlation between the SPARCC/SSS scores and that of clinical indicators were analyzed. Paired sample t test, Wilcoxon signedrank test, Spearman correlation analysis and Pearson correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the effectiveness of SPARCC score decline as a response to treatment. Results: ① Compared with baseline, after 12 weeks treatment, SPARCC scores [(15±4) and(33±10)], BASDAI [(3.2±0.9) and (5.2±1.1)], BASFI [(2.3±0.6) and (4.6±1.0)], BASMI [(2.3±0.7) and (4.1±1.1)], ASDAS-CRP scores [(2.0±0.8) and (3.7±0.9)], ESR [(16±12) mm/1 h and (49±26) mm/1 h], CRP [(7.2±2.8) mg/L and (30.4±19.3) mg/L] were significantly decreased (t values were 7.822, 6.950, 10.707, 7.204, 6.281,-4.015 and-4.257, respectively), and the differences were statistically significant (P=0.000). There was no significant difference in SSS scores between baseline [(20±6) and (19±7)] and after 12 weeks treatment (t=-0.761, P=0.455). ② Before treatment, SPARCC score showed positive linear correlation with BASDAI (r=0.630, P=0.001), ASDAS-CRP (r=0.646, P=0.001), CRP (r=0.574, P=0.003) and ESR (r=0.559, P=0.004), and the correlation of the above indexes disappeared after treatment (P>0.05). The association between SPARCC structral scores and the above indicators was not significant before and after treatment. ③ Areas under curve(AUC) of ROC for assessing treatment response by reduced SPARCC scores was 0.809. The cut-off value for response to treatment was 20.5, with the sensitivity of 68.8% and specificity of 75.0%. Conclusion The SPARCC MRI SIJ inflamm-ation score has certain value in evaluating disease activity and efficacy, while the SPARCC SSS is not.

Objective To analyze the performance of contrast-enhanced uhrasound(CEUS) in the evaluation of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for breast cancer in different periods.Methods A prospective study consisting of 46 patients with invasive ductal carcinoma who received NAC and surgery subsequently was conducted.One patient underwent CEUS before NAC,after the second cycle of NAC and before surgery.CEUS outcomes were compared with histopathologic response by Kappa test using the Miller-Payne Grading(MPG) system.The changes of CEUS quantitative parameters in different periods of NAC were compared.Results 31 patients showed a good response by histopathology while 29 patients by CEUS,which showed good consistence.Kappa value was 0.713.The peak intensity (PI) of the lesions decreased significantly after the second cycle of NAC compared with that before NAC (P＜0.05).The peak intensity (PI),wash-in slope (WIS),and area under curve(AUC) of the lesions decreased significantly before surgery compared with those before NAC (P＜0.05).Conclusion CEUS shows good consistence with histopathologic outcomes.The peak intensity (PI) is a sensitive indicator of early changes after NAC.

Objective To explore the relationship and clinical significance of Gli1 expression in peripheral blood and cancer tissues of gastric.Method 95 gastric cancer patients were recruited as surgery group,and 40 recurrent gastric cancer patients were recruited as recurrent group.50 normal subjects were recruited as control group.Paraffin specimens of gastric cancer tissues and gastric mucosa adjacent to cancer were collected to test expression of Gli1 protein.ELISA was applied to test Gli1 in peripheral blood.Results Levels of Gli1 in peripheral blood of preoperative surgery group were higher than in control group [(9.21 ± 1.37) ng/ml vs.(0.79 ±0.18) ng/ml,t =43.193,P ＜0.001].Post-up Gli1 decreased significantly to the level of control group (t =0.722,P =0.472).Levels of Gli1 in peripheral blood of recurrent group were higher than that in preoperativesurgery group (t =14.575,P ＜ 0.001).Gli1 protein in cancer tissues was higher than that in adjacent gastric mucosa (t =33.471,P ＜0.001),and Gli1 protein in cancer tissues of surgery group was higher than that in cancer tissues of recurrent group (t =8.808,P ＜0.001).Conclusion In postoperative gastric cancer patients increased Gli1 level in peripheral blood and cancer tissues predicts recurrence.

Objective: To study the anti-inflammatory effect and mechanism of Gutong plasters in acute inflammatory model of rats. Methods:Totally 60 SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group,the model group,Gutong plasters at low,medium and high dose groups(0.594,1.188 and 2.376 g/patch containing crude drug 0.48,0.96 and 1.92 g,respectively) and prednisone ace-tate group(0.005 4 g·kg-1). The acute inflammation model was prepared by injecting 5% formaldehyde into right side of foot plan-tar. And then,the anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by measuring the foot plantar volume. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of nitric oxide(NO),histamine(HIS) and 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) in serum and inflam-matory tissue,the levels of prostaglandin E2(PGE2),tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),interleukin 1 beta(IL-1β) and interleu-kin 6 (IL-6) in inflammatory tissue were also determined. Pathological changes were observed through the pathological sections pre-pared by HE staining. Results:When compared with the model group,Gutong plasters could significantly inhibit the swelling of foot plantar in inflammatory rats(P<0.01). At the same time,Gutong plasters could significantly reduce the levels of NO,5-HT and HIS in serum and inflammatory tissue in different degrees(P<0.05 or P<0.01),significantly reduce the content of PGE2in inflammatory tissue (P<0.05 or P<0.01),increase the content of IL-6 in inflammatory tissue and improve the pathological changes of inflammato-ry tissues (the pathological score was significantly reduced). In partical indictor changes,Gutong plasters and prednisone acetate showed an equal effect.In addition,Gutong plasters didn't show significant dose-dependent manner in inhibiting foot swelling,affect-ing inflammatory mediators and improving pathological changes(P>0.05). Conclusion:Gutong plasters have better anti-inflammato-ry effect in the acute inflammation model induced by formaldehyde in rats. The anti-inflammatory effect may be associated with the de-crease of the levels of NO,5-HT and HIS in serum and inflammatory tissue,the decrease of the content of PGE2and the increase of the content of IL-6 in inflammatory tissue. In addition,the anti-inflammatory effect may be relevant to improving the local inflammatory tis-sue subcutaneous edema and inflammatory cell infiltration.

Objective To understand the status of soil?transmitted nematode infections in Xiding Township,Menghai Coun?ty,Yunnan Province,so as to provide the reference for formulating the strategy of soil?transmitted nematodosis control. Meth?ods Soil?transmitted nematode eggs in feces were detected by the Kato?Katz method,and the eggs of Enterobius vermicularis were detected by the cellophane tape method in children. The soil samples were collected from vegetable ,fruit and other crop fields of 15 residents randomly to detect hookworm. Results The stool samples from 1 002 residents were examined and the soil?transmitted nematode infection rate was 20.06%(201/1 002). The infection rates of hookworm,Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichu?ris trichura were 18.96%(190 cases),1.70%(17 cases)and 0.90%(9 cases)respectively. The percentages of people with light infection of hookworm,A. lumbricoides and T. trichura were 97.37%(185/190),88.24%(15/17)and 100%(9/9)respec?tively. No infection of E. vermicularis was found. Fifteen soil samples were tested,and no hookworm was found in the soil. Con?clusion The infection rate of soil?transmitted nematode in Xiding Township,Menghai County is high,but the infectiosity is light. The control and monitoring of soil?transmitted nematodosis should be strengthened in this area.